Simulated acoustic characteristics of stage displacements in a shoebox hall: A case study in Cultural Centre Concert Hall in Taipei

Abstract

Since Berlin Philharmonic Hall opened in 1963, surround hall configuration has been preferred and used worldwide by architects for its dramatic visual appearance and the proximity to stage. However, according to Beranek’s study, the top three concert halls in the world that have the best acoustics are in shoebox shape. To study the acoustic characteristics of stage displacement in a shoebox hall is the objective of this study. A simplified wired-frame model of Cultural Centre Concert Hall in Taipei is used as an example in this study. It is a stunning performing-arts building as mentioned by Beranek. Its seating capacity is 2077 and it is a shoebox hall. Five different stage displacements along the central axis have been used. The original ceiling configuration is used and moved with each stage displacements. Fixed materials and the relevant absorption coefficients are used in the study as well. Acoustic parameters such as music clarity, lateral refraction, early decay time as well as reverberation time (T30) are simulated. The results showed that for the best proximity, as stage and stage ceiling are moved toward the centre of shoebox hall, the simulated T30 could be increased to approximately 1.7 seconds in 1000 Hz. To meet the original T30 design goal in 2.25 s at 1000 Hz, about 600 m2 of NRC 0.88 acoustic panel were used.